How to kill mimosa trees

Written by joshua duvauchelle

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The mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin), also commonly known as a silky acacia, is a slender tree that can grow to a height of up to 40 feet. Its large, fragrant blossoms make the tree popular for ornamental purposes. Thanks to hardy seeds, the mimosa tree can spread quickly and a couple of trees can turn into a grove of mimosas. Kill the mimosa trees quickly to avoid an invasion and to manage your current mimosa stand.

Skill level:

Easy

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Things you need

Handsaw or axe

Glyphosate-based herbicide

Triclopyr-based herbicide

Stump-killer solution

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Instructions

1

Uproot the mimosa trees. This is relatively easy with seedlings and saplings, typically up to a height of one to two feet. Grasp the mimosa sapling with both hands and pull away from the ground at an angle. Discard, or chop into pieces for use in your compost pile.

2

Spray the mimosa trees with a glyphosate-based herbicide if there are no other plants near the mimosa trees. Such herbicides are broad spectrum and non-selective, and will kill any vegetation with which it comes in contact. Example product brands include Round-Up, Rodeo and Buccaneer. Mist the entire tree according to the guidelines offered by the specific manufacturer, as product potency varies by brand.

3

Use a triclopyr-based herbicide to spray on the mimosa trees if there is grass beneath the trees that you wish to preserve. Triclopyr is a selective herbicide and targets woody plants. Example product brands include Garlon, Crossbow and Redeem.

4

Cut down the mimosa tree with an axe, handsaw or pruning sheers. Chop down to a stump height of two to three feet.

5

Apply a chemical stump killer to the stump, covering all exposed surfaces. The stump killer will kill the stump down to its roots, ensuring the infamously hardy mimosa tree doesn't sprout up from the ground again. Example products include Green Light's Cut Vine & Stump Killer 40004 and Bonide #274 Stump Killer.

Tips and warnings

Wear protective gear such as a face mask, eye wear and gloves whenever you work with toxic herbicides.